Coronation Street is to broadcast a live episode as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The ITV1 serial, which marks its half-century in December, will screen the special instalment later this year.

A spokeswoman for the soap said: "Everyone is very excited, if not to say a little nervous, about the prospect of a live episode but we felt it was fitting to go out live to the nation to celebrate such a prestigious anniversary."

Keith Duffy, who plays Rovers barman Ciaran McCarthy, hinted last week that the special broadcast was on the cards.

The soap previously screened a live episode for its 40th anniversary, which saw residents stage a demonstration against the threat of the cobbles being replaced with tarmac. It also notably featured an appearance by the Prince of Wales.

Rival show EastEnders gripped viewers with a live broadcast of its own to mark its 25th anniversary in February, and more than 16 million people tuned in to watch.

Earlier this year, Corrie producer Phil Collinson revealed that key characters will be killed off in a tram crash which causes carnage on the cobbles in December.

It is not clear whether the disaster will occur during the live programme.